GG5054: PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND GIS (2016-2017)

Course Overview

This module will introduce students
to the important role that people play in the successful development and
implementation of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology and
software. This includes consideration of the human element involved in the
collection, input, storage and management of geospatial data for current and
future applications in education, government and commerce. Students will
consider some of the different backgrounds, skills and expertise required: by
technical staff (e.g. programmers, and database engineers) involved in
developing GIS software; by those responsible for developing software
interfaces for the end-user community; in the development of new GIS products
and new application areas; by those who are responsible for purchasing and
implementing GIS and related technologies in the workplace; by current and
future applications; and the knowledge and understanding required to make use
of GIS as a desktop and mobile tool.

Course Details

Study Type

Postgraduate

Level

5

Session

First Sub Session

Credit Points

15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)

Campus

Old Aberdeen

Sustained Study

No

Co-ordinators

Dr David Green

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Geography (GG) (Studied)

Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This module will introduce students to the important role that
people play in the successful development and implementation of Geographical
Information Systems (GIS) technology and software. This includes consideration
of the human element involved in the collection, input, storage and management
of geospatial data for current and future applications in education, government
and commerce. Students will consider some of the different backgrounds, skills
and expertise required: by technical staff (e.g. programmers, and database
engineers) involved in developing GIS software;
by those responsible for developing software interfaces for the end-user
community; in the development of new GIS products and new application areas; by
those who are responsible for purchasing and implementing GIS and related
technologies in the workplace; by current and future applications; and the
knowledge and understanding required to make use of GIS as a desktop and mobile
tool. Aside from the practical implementation of GIS, the success of the
technology is also dependent upon the expertise contributed by computer science
and Information Technology (IT) experts needed for system support and
application domain specialists. Another
aspect explored is that of the organisational requirements for GIS technology
and the corporate GIS. Finally, the role that people play in participatory GIS
exercises provides insight into how people from very different backgrounds can
successfully interact with a complex technology in planning and decision-making
scenarios. A series of case-studies will showcase the role that people play at
different stages in the development, evolution and application of GIS. This
will include some of the following as examples: police forces and crime
mapping; emergency services and response;
nature conservation and habitat mapping; education and training;
transport networks and traffic routing; siting and location; renewable energy;
hydrography and offshore survey; and marine spatial planning. The main emphasis
throughout the module is that whatever the GIS application, the user is
ultimately the key to a successful GIS implementation and use.

Degree Programmes for which this Course is Prescribed

MSc Geographical Information Systems

Contact Teaching Time

38 hours

This is the total time spent in lectures, tutorials and other class teaching.